New M&S store will create 100 jobs in Navan

The confirmation that retail giant Marks & Spencers is to open a new store in Navan this spring has been welcomed as a major boost for the town. The new 30,000 sq ft store, which is expected to open in April, will create 100 new jobs for the area. Navan Chamber of Commerce president, Mary Sadlier, said it was marvellous news. 'It is great news for the town. The Chamber is delighted at this boost to employment numbers,' she said. 'With a flagship name like that in Navan, it will keep shoppers at home and attract people to the area.' She congratulated all those involved in persuading the retail giant to open in Navan. Jonathan Smith, Marks & Spencer"s Irish boss, said the company was delighted to be opening its first store in Meath. 'We"ve been looking for an opportunity to open in the region for some time and we look forward to bringing our great quality products to shoppers in the area,' he said. The new Navan store will open under Marks & Spencer"s signature style with a bright, contemporary interior design. The store will incorporate a number of environmentally friendly initiatives in line with the company"s 100-point, five-year 'eco" plan. The new store at Navan Shopping Centre will have water-saving features such as dual-flush toilets and aerated taps in the staff and customer facilities and lighting with movement sensors will help save energy. Throughout construction, 80 per cent of all waste materials are being recycled. There are currently 18 Marks & Spencer stores in the Republic of Ireland, with a new store also set to open in Clonmel, Co Tipperary, this summer. The store will feature a wide range of fashion and accessories, as well as a food hall and a café.